Multiple access computer monitoring system

ABSTRACT

A system ( 10 ) which allows a primary computer monitor ( 12 ) to be electrically connected and structurally attached to a first secondary computer monitor ( 14 ) and a second secondary computer monitor ( 16 ). The electrical connections is made by a first cable assembly ( 30 ) or a second cable assembly ( 50 ) which includes digital R.F. filters (l 8 ). The cable assembly ( 30, 52 ) which connects the three monitors ( 12, 14, 16 ) to a set of video cards ( 22, 24, 26 ) located within a central processing unit ( 200 ) allows the monitors ( 12, 14, 16 ) to be operated independently or simultaneously. The monitors ( 12, 14, 16 ) are enclosed in a console structure ( 112 ) which includes a central opening ( 130 ) which houses the monitor ( 12 ), a first outer opening ( 132 ) which houses the monitor ( 14 ) and a second outer opening ( 134 ) which houses the monitor ( 16 ). Each of the outer openings include a retractable-pivoting slide assembly ( 100 ) which allows the first and second monitors ( 14, 16 ) to be retracted when not in use or extracted and pivoted into a viewing position when is use.

This Application claims benefit of provisional application Ser. No.60/049,114 file Jun. 10, 1997.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of multiple computermonitors and more particularly to a multiple-access computer monitoringsystem which allows access to multiple displays simultaneously orindependent of one another.

BACKGROUND ART

As computers have progressed to their widespread use of today, so havethe number of and types of hardware and software available for use incomputers. There are now programs available for almost every businessapplication, as well as, many others devoted to such topics as gardeningand musical instrument instruction. Also, the number of computer gamesavailable alone is staggering.

In order to keep up with many of the advancements, especially insoftware graphics and storage capacity, computers have become more andmore powerful and faster. This increased power and speed is, of course,a welcome addition but, unfortunately there are still some problems thatplague computer users.

One of the most common problems is that a person is generally only ableto view one portion of a program at one time. Microsoft® attempted toremedy this situation with the introduction of its Windows®—basedprograms. The concept of windows was to allow a user to “open” differentwindows within a program. The screen would display a series of promptsand a user would use his/her keyboard or mouse to highlight a particularprompt, thereby opening that window. Whenever a different window was tobe opened another prompt was highlighted and the new window was thensuperimposed over the existing window. Even though a user couldmanipulate the size and location of many of the windows, it stillremained a problem of being able to maintain multiple open windows, thatcould all be accessed and used, on a single monitor.

There are many reasons why a user would want the ability to have variousdifferent applications of a single, or even multiple programs, athis/her disposal for immediate simultaneous viewing. A simple examplewould be for a person to call up a help menu while still viewing thepart of the program that is presenting a problem. Another example isthat with all of the available programs it would be very convenient toutilize a group of programs in which all are directed to the samesubject, but with each possessing some unique qualities each their own.To be able to compare, analyze and utilize these programs simultaneouslywould greatly benefit anyone using them.

There have been efforts to solve this problem in the past, but, asresults have shown, the only way to truly solve this problem is toprovide a computer with separate, multiple, independent monitors, which,nevertheless are capable of also functioning as a single, modular unit.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that readdirectly on the claims of the instant invention, however the followingU.S. Patents are considered related:

U.S. PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 5,038,301 Thoma August 6, 1991 4,414,621Brown, et al November 8, 1983 4,204,206 McCarthy May 20, 1980

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,301 patent discloses a method and apparatus forcontrolling two or more video display devices using a single displaycontroller, wherein the display devices require different control data.The display control parameters are stored in a memory and, when thecontroller is to be switched from one display to another, the parametersare read from the memory into a substitution device. The substitutiondevice receives modification control signals which depend on the newlyselected display device and modifies the display control parametersbefore re-programming the display controller. The display controllerthen contains the parameters as appropriately modified for the currentlycontrolled display device. The operator can switch from one monitor toanother by generating an appropriate control signal.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,621 patent discloses an interactive visualcommunications system consisting if a number of similar terminals linkedtogether by narrow band communications links. Each terminal consists ofvisual display apparatus having a display and a display generator, aninput interactive device for providing input instructions which areconverted to graphic task instructions at the terminal, a processor forprocessing such graphic task instructions (GTI's) to control the displaysystem and the input interactive device. The generated graphic taskinstructions are directed through an interaction handler which directsthe GTI's to the processor as well as to a modem for transmission overthe narrow band communications link to one or more similar terminals.The interaction handler receives GTI's from the other terminals whichare also processed by the processor to control the display system.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,206 patent discloses a system which includes ahost computer having mass storage facilities together with a pluralityof video display terminals having editing capabilities. Facilities areprovided so that each editing terminal may communicate with the hostcomputer which then downloads a control program into the terminal and isstored in the terminal's main memory. Data to be displayed at theterminal is downloaded from the host computer and, in addition, data mayalso be entered by a local keyboard for display and editing purposes.Each terminal is a processor driven terminal with a common busarchitecture and performs various functions in accordance with thecontrol program downloaded from the host computer. The terminal maydisplay text obtained from one or more input sources on different areasof a common display screen. The teat in the different areas may bescrolled and edited independently of each other.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which theinvention is related reference may be made to the remaining citedpatents.

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 5,590,771 Cota January 7, 1997 5,289,574Sawyer February 22, 1994 4,954,979 Eibner, et al September 4, 19904,760,388 Tatsumi, et al July 26, 1988 2,547,447 DeBoer April 3, 1951

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The multiple-access computer monitoring system is designed to allow anoperator access to multiple documents, templates, and referencematerials simultaneously and independent of one another. The system isoperated while working in the applications created for a Unix, Windows95, Windows 98, Windows NT or MS/DOS environment.

In its most basic form and function, the system functions in combinationwith a central processing unit (CFU) that operates a primary computermonitor. A means is provided for electrically connecting and a means forstructurally attaching to the primary computer monitor at least a firstsecondary computer monitor. The first secondary computer monitor is alsooperated by the CPU and can be selectively operated independently orsimultaneously with the primary computer monitor. In a preferredembodiment, the system further includes a second secondary computermonitor that is also operated by the CPU. In the preferred embodiment,the primary computer monitor and the first and second secondary computermonitors can each be selectively operated independently orsimultaneously.

The electrically connecting means is accomplished by a cable assemblywhich attaches on one end to the primary computer monitor, the firstsecondary computer monitor and the second secondary computer monitor.The other end of the cable assembly attaches to a set of video cardswhich are located within and operated by the CPU.

The system is designed to allow an operator access to multiple pages onseparate monitors at the same time. This feature allows the operator toview, operate and work on three pages simultaneously and withoutinterruption. For example, if the operator requires assistance form theHELP menu, the system allows for visual access to the menu withouthaving to evacuate the primary computer monitor. Additionally, theoperator is able to bring the HELP menu topics to either the first orsecond secondary computer monitors, without interference, by a simplemanual or mouse code. Thus the operator is able to access the HELP menuinformation and continue to work on the present document which isvisible on the primary computer monitor.

If the user needs to visually scan other pages from other files thesystem allows these other pages and/or files to be placed on either thefirst or second secondary monitors. Again, the operator is able to copyor edit any page desired, while keeping the original document intact andwithout having to exit or close the primary computer monitor to find theinformation desired.

The first and second secondary computer monitors can be easily adaptedto an existing primary computer monitor. However, a console design isdisclosed which integrates the primary computer monitor with the firstand second secondary monitors. The console design features an extractingand retracting assembly that operates the first and/or the secondsecondary screens. The assembly can be designed to be operated manuallyor electrically.

In view of the above disclosure, it is the primary object of theinvention to design and produce a multiple-access computer monitoringsystem which allows the simultaneous or independent viewing of data oneither a primary computer monitor, a first secondary computer monitor ora second secondary computer monitor.

In addition to the primary object of the invention it is also an objectof the invention to design and product a multiple-access computermonitoring system that:

can be easily used by anyone versed in computer usage,

allows a primary operator and three other operators to see each otherwhile video conferencing from four different locations,

can be used with a variety of software operating systems,

can be used with various types and technologies of computer monitors,

allows up to three full size pages of documents and/or drawings to bereviewed simultaneously,

can increase productivity.

allows past, present and future financial data to be reviewedsimultaneously,

allows up to three searches to be conducted on one screen without losingthe data on the other two screens,

is reliable and relatively maintenance free, and

is cost effective from both a consumer's and manufacturer's point ofview.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first cable assembly that is used toconnect a primary computer monitor and a first and second secondarycomputer monitor respectively to a first, second and third video cardlocated within a CPU.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second cable assembly that incorporatesthree digital R.F. filters which are connected in series between thethree monitors and a single, multiple-port video card located within theCPU.

FIG. 3 is an elevational front view of a first design configuration fora structure subsystem which attaches the first and second secondarycomputer monitors to the sides of a primary computer monitor.

FIG. 4 is an elevational front view of a second design configuration fora structure subsystem which utilizes a first and a second side casingthat are attached to the sides of a primary computer monitor and whichare dimensioned to respectively enclose the first and second secondarycomputer monitors.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a retractable-pivoting slide assembly shownin a fully retracted position within a side casing.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the retractable-pivoting slide assemblyshown in a partially extracted position.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the retractable-pivoting slide assemblyshown in a fully extracted position with a sliding-pivoting section, towhich is attached a secondary computer monitor, in a pivoted, computermonitoring viewing position.

FIG. 8 is an elevational front view of a third design configuration fora structure subsystem which consists of a console that includes acentral opening for enclosing the primary computer monitor and a firstand second outer opening for enclosing respectively the first and secondsecondary computer monitors.

FIG. 9 is an elevational rear view of the console of FIG. 8 showing afirst opening which receives an a-c power cord, a second opening whichreceives either the first or second cable assemblies and a third openingto which is attached an exhaust fan assembly.

FIG. 10 is an elevational front view of a fourth design configurationfor a structure subsystem which includes a first hinge assembly to whichis attached the first secondary computer monitor and a second hingeassembly to which is attached the second secondary computer monitor. Thetwo secondary monitors are shown in their pivoted, in-use position.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the structure of FIG. 10 showing the firstsecondary computer monitor folded over and interfacing with the primarycomputer monitor and the second secondary computer monitor overlappingthe first secondary computer monitor.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the multiple-access computer monitoringsystem 10 is presented in terms of an electrical/electronic subsystem 11which is disclosed in two design configurations, and a structuralsubsystem 70 which is disclosed in four design configurations.

The electrical/electronic subsystem as shown in FIGS. 1-2 is comprisedof the following major elements; a primary computer monitor 12, a firstsecondary computer monitor 14, a second secondary monitor computer 16,digital R.F. filters 18, a virtual desktop software driver 20, a firstcable assembly 30, a second cable assembly 50, a first video card 22, asecond video card 24, a third video card 26 and a single multiple-portvideo card 28. The above elements operate in combination with a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 200 and a mouse 202.

The first design configuration of the electrical/electronic system 11,as shown in FIG. 1, consists of the primary computer monitor 12, whichis electrically connected to a first secondary computer monitor 14 andthe second secondary computer monitor 16. The primary monitor istypically comprised of cathode ray tube (CRT) and the first and secondsecondary modular can consist of a liquid crystal diode (LCD) screen, anactive-matrix screen, a thin CRT screen or any other technology that canproduce a relatively thin screen. If the multiple-access computermonitor system 10 is used on notebook or laptop computer all themonitors can consist of LCD screens or active-matrix screens.

All three monitors 12,14,16 are connected to the central processing unit(CPU) 200. The CPU 200 allows the primary, monitor 12 and the first andsecond secondary computer monitors 14,16 to be operated independently orsimultaneously by the virtual desktop software driver 20 in combinationwith the muse 202 or a keyboard. The driver 240 functions as a buffer byreceiving input control signals from the GPU 200 and applying to thevideo card 22,24,26 control signals and refresh rate control signals.The mouse 202 provides the means by which the computer monitors can beselectively operated. The mouse 202 is manipulated by clicking, holdingand dragging the software, data files, documents and icons to theselected monitor 12,14, or 16. The electrical connections of the threemonitors 12,14,16 to the CPU 200 is made by using the first or secondcable assemblies 30 or 50.

The first cable assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 1, has a first end 32 anda second end 40. The first end 32 consists of first male input connector34, a second male input connector 36 and a third male input connector38. Each input connector is comprised of a fifteen-pin D-sub connector.The three connectors 34,36 and 38 are respectively connected to a firstvideo card 22, a second video card 24 and a third video card 26. Each ofthe cards is comprised of a VGA video card, such as are available fromMatrox Graphics Inc. located in Dorval, Quebec, Canada.

Each video card, as also shown in FIG. 1, is inserted into and operatedby the CPU 200 and the virtual desktop driver 20. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 2, in lieu of the three separate video cards 22,24,26 asingle Multiple Port Video Card such as a MVP3D video card availablefrom STB Systems Inc. located in Richardson, Tex.

In the first cable assembly 30, the second end 40 has a first maleoutput connector 42, a second male output connector 44 and a third maleoutput connector 46. These connectors, which are identical to the threeinput connectors 34,36,38, are directly connected respectively to theprimary computer 12, the first secondary computer monitor 14 and thesecond secondary computer monitor 16 as shown in FIG. 1.

The second design configuration of the electrical/electronic subsystem11, as shown in FIG. 2, differs in that the second cable assembly 50 isused in lieu of the first cable assembly 30. The front end 32 of thesecond cable assembly 50 is identical in form and function to the firstend 32 of the first cable assembly 30. However, in the second cableassembly 50, between the first end 32 and the second end 40 are locatedin series within each line a digital R.F. filter 18 which eliminates orat least minimizes any background noise that may be present.

Two methods are disclosed for connecting the filters 18 between therespective video cards and the monitors. In the first method, the cableassembly 50 includes, intermediate of the first end 32 and the secondend 40, three input connectors: a first input connector 52, a secondinput connector 54 and a third input connector 56 which are attached tothe respective digital R.F. filter 18. The three filters, in turn, havethree output connectors: a first output connector 58, a second outputconnector 60 and a third output connector 62. These three outputconnectors are connected to the first, second and third output connector42,44,46, which attaches to the primary computer monitor 12, the firstsecondary computer monitor 14, and the second secondary computer monitor16.

In the second digital R.F. filter connecting method (not shown), thethree filters are hard-wired in series into the cable assembly 50. Theparticular attachment method depends on the design configuration of theparticular digital R.F. filter utilized.

The structure subsystem 70 is disclosed in four design configuration asshown in FIGS. 3-11.

In the first design configuration, which utilizes the most basicstructure, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary computer monitor 12 includesa first side 72 and a second side 74. Likewise, the first and secondsecondary computer monitors 14,16 each have an inner side 76 and anouter side 78. To the first side 72 of the primary computer monitor 12is attached, by an attachment means 80, the inner side 76 of the firstsecondary computer monitor 14, and to the second side 74 of the monitor12 is attached, by the attachment means 80, the inner side 76 of thesecond secondary computer monitor 14. The attachment means 80 canconsist of an adhesive, a combination female and male dove-tailstructure or a commercial grade hook and loop fastener.

The second design configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, utilizes a firstside casing 84 and a second side casing 96. Each of the casings includesan upper-inner surface 86, a lower-inner surface 88, a front edge 90 anda rear edge 92. From the front edge 90 of each casing 84,96 extendsinward an opening 94 that is dimensioned to enclose the respective firstand second secondary computer monitors 14,16.

The first side casing 84 is attached, by an attachment means 80, to thefirst side 72 of the primary computer monitor 12 and likewise, thesecond side casing 96 is attached by the attachment means 80 to thesecond side 74 of the primary computer monitor 12.

Each of the side casings 84,96 includes a means for allowing the firstand second secondary computer monitors 14,16 to be retracted into theirrespective first and second side casings 84,96 when the monitors are notin use, and to be extracted outward and pivoted into a viewing positionwhen the monitors are in use one method of accomplishing the retractionand extraction of the secondary computer monitors is by utilizing anintegrated retractable-pivoting slide assembly 100, as shown in FIGS. 5,6 and 7. The assembly 100 is comprised of a stationary lower section 102that is attached to the lower-inner surface 88 of the casing 84,96, anintermediate sliding section 104 that captively traverses along thestationary lower section 102, and a sliding-pivoting section 106 towhich is attached one of the secondary computer monitors 14,16. Thesection 106, which is designed to traverse along the intermediatesliding section 104, includes a combination stop-pivoting means 108which stops the travel of the intermediate sliding section 106 andallows the section 106 to pivot outward substantially in alignment withthe plane of the primary computer monitor 12. FIG. 5 shows the assembly100 fully extracted and pivoted outward into a selectable viewingposition.

The above described assembly 100 is one of many designs which can beutilized to retract and extract the secondary computer monitors 14,16into a viewing position. For example, a tongue and groove structure witha pinned rotating stop that allows the tongue and groove structure to bepivoted can also be utilized.

The above described retractable-pivoting slide assemblies 100 can bedesigned to be operated manually or an electric d-c motor can bemechanically coupled to the assembly 100. The motor is activated by apolarity-reversing switch wherein in a first position the assembly 100is extracted and in a second position the assembly 100 is retracted.

To further enhance the utility of the first and second side casings84,86 they may include a multiplicity. of side bristles. 111. Thebristles 111 remove dust and particles from the first and secondsecondary monitors when they are retracted or extracted from the firstand second side casings 84,96.

The third design configuration for structurally housing and attachingthe first and second secondary computer monitors 14,16 to the primarycomputer monitor 12 comprises a console structure 112, as shown in FIGS.8 and 9.

The console structure 112 includes a front section 114, an upper section116, a lower section 118, a rear section 120, a first wide section 122,a first inner-side section 124, a second inner-side section 126 and asecond side section 128. As shown in FIG. 8, between the first andsecond inner-side sections 124,126 extends a central opening 130.Likewise, between the first side section 122 and the first inner-sidesection 124 extends a first outer opening 132, and between the secondside section 128 and the second inner-side section 126 extends a secondouter opening 134. Each of the outer openings 132,134 include anupper-inner surface 136 and a lower-inner surface 138. The centralopening 130 is dimensioned to enclose the primary computer monitor 12and the first and second outer openings 132,134 are dimensioned torespectively enclose the first secondary computer monitor 14 and thesecond secondary computer monitor 16.

The third design configuration utilizes the integratedretractable-pivoting slide assembly 100 as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and asdescribed supra in the second design configuration.

On the rear section 120 of the console 112, as shown in FIG. 9, islocated a first opening 140 which is dimensioned to receive an a-c powercord 142, a second opening 144 dimensioned to receive the first orsecond cable assemblies 30,50 and a third opening 146 which isdimensioned to allow an exhaust fan assembly 148 to be attached. As inthe second design configuration, the first and second outer openings132,134 may also include a multiplicity of side bristles 111 which aidin removing dust and particles from the surface of the monitors.

The fourth and final design configuration for structurally housing andattaching the first and second secondary computer monitors 14,16 to theprimary computer monitor 12 comprises a console structure 154, as shownin FIGS. 10 and 11.

The console structure 154 includes an upper section 156, a lower section158, a rear section 160, a first side section 16. having a front edge164, and a second side section 166 having a front edge 168. The consolestructure 154 is dimensioned to enclose the primary computer monitor 12.

The console structure 154 operates in combination with a first hingeassembly 170 and a second hinge assembly 178. The hinge assemblies170,178 can consist of a single hinge as shown in FIG. 10 or twoseparate hinges (not shown) may be employed.

The first hinge assembly 170 has a first side 172 that is attached tothe first side section 162, and a second side 174 that is attached to aninner side 15 of the first secondary computer monitor 14. The twosecondary computer monitors are shown in their pivoted in-use positionsin FIG. 10. When the first secondary computer monitor 14 is in a non-useposition it is folded over to interface with the front surface of theprimary computer monitor 12, as shown in FIG. 11.

The second hinge assembly 178 also has a first side 180 that is attachedto the second side section 166, and a second side 182 that is attachedto an inner side 17 of the second secondary computer monitor 16. Thesecond hinge assembly 178 is longer and is centrally offset to overlapthe first secondary computer monitor 16 when the second secondarycomputer monitor is folded-over into its non-use position, as also shownin FIG. 11. To augment the utility of the fourth design configuration, alocking device 184 may be included which is positioned, as shown in FIG.11, to secure the two secondary computer monitors 14,16 in theirfolded-over, non-use position.

OPERATING SEQUENCE

To operate the multiple-access computer monitoring system, the followingsteps are performed:

1. Open a first program which is viewable on the primary computermonitor 12,

2. open a second program in a restore position,

3. use a mouse to click, hold and drag the second program to the firstsecondary computer monitor 14,

4. open a third program in a restore position, and

5. use a mouse to click, hold and drag the second program to the secondsecondary computer monitor 16.

While the invention has been described in complete detail andpictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limitedto such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in theinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, itis described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may comewithin the language and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiple-access computer monitoring system which functions in combination with a central processing unit (CPU) that operates a primary computer monitor, said system comprising a means for electrically and structurally attaching to said primary computer monitor at least a first secondary computer monitor and a second secondary computer that are operated by said CPU, wherein said primary computer monitor, said first secondary computer monitor and said second secondary computer can be selectively operated independently or simultaneously, wherein said means for electrically connecting said primary computer monitor and said first and second secondary computer monitors comprises a first cable assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end consists of a first male connector, a second male connector and a third male connector that are respectively connected to a first video card, a second video card and a third video card, wherein said video cards are inserted into and operated by said CPU and a virtual desktop driver wherein the second end also consists of a first male connector, a second male connector and a third male connector that are respectively connected to said primary computer monitor, said first secondary computer monitor and said second secondary computer monitor.
 2. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said male connectors are each comprised of fifteen-pin D-sub male connectors.
 3. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for electrically connecting said primary computer monitor and said first and second secondary computer monitors comprises a second cable assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end consists of a first male connector, a second male connector and a third male connector that are respectively connected to a first video card, a second video card and a third video card, wherein said video cards are inserted into and operated by said CPU and a virtual desktop driver wherein the second end also consists of a first male connector, a second male connector and a third male connector that are respectively connected to said primary computer monitor, said first secondary computer monitor and said second secondary computer monitor wherein between the first end and the second end are located in series within each line a digital R.F. filter.
 4. The system a specified in claim 3 wherein said male connectors are each comprised of fifteen-pin D-sub male connector;.
 5. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said video cards are each comprised of a VGA video card.
 6. The system as specified in claim 5 wherein said VGA video cards are further comprised of a Matrox Graphics Inc. card.
 7. The system as specified in claim 5 wherein said VGA video cards are further comprised of a single STB system Inc. MVP3D multiple port video card which supports all three said computer monitors.
 8. A multiple-access computer monitoring system which functions in combination with a central processing unit (CPU) that operates a primary computer monitor, said system comprising a means for electrically and structurally attaching to said primary computer monitor at least a first secondary computer monitor and a second secondary computer that are operated by said CPU, wherein said primary. computer monitor, said first secondary computer monitor and said second secondary computer can be selectively operated independently or simultaneously, wherein said means for structurally attaching said first and second secondary computer monitors to said primary computer monitor comprises: a) a console structure comprising an upper section, a lower section, a rear section, a first side section, a first inner-side section, a second inner-side section, and a second side section, wherein between the first and second inner-side sections extends a central opening, between the first side section and the first inner-side section extends a first outer opening and between the second side section and the second inner-side section extends a second outer opening, wherein each said outer opening includes an upper-inner surface and a lower-inner surface, wherein the central opening is dimensioned to enclose said primary computer monitor and said first and second outer openings are dimensioned to respectively enclose said first and second secondary computer monitors, b) an integrated retractable-pivoting slide assembly comprising a stationary section and a sliding-pivoting sections, wherein the stationary section is longitudinally attached to the lower-inner surface of each said outer opening and a sliding-pivoting section is longitudinally attached to the lower surface of said first and second secondary computer monitors, wherein when said first and second secondary computer monitors are fully extracted from their respective outer openings, said slide assembly allows the extracted said monitors to be pivoted outward into a selectable viewing position, and c) a set of openings located on the rear section of said console structure, wherein a first opening is dimensioned to receive an a-c power cord and a second opening dimensioned to receive either the first cable assembly or the second cable assembly.
 9. The system a specified in claim 8 further comprising an exhaust fan assembly attached to a third opening located on the rear section of said console structure.
 10. The system as specified in claim 8 wherein said first and second outer openings each include side bristles that remote dust and particles from said first and second secondary computer monitors when said monitors are retracted into or extracted from said first and second outer openings.
 11. A multiple-access computer monitoring system which functions in combination with a central processing unit (CPU) that operates a primary computer monitor, said system comprising a means for electrically and structurally attaching to said primary computer monitor at least a first secondary computer monitor and a second secondary computer that are operated by said CPU, wherein said primary computer monitor, said first secondary computer monitor and said second secondary computer can be selectively operated independently or simultaneously, wherein said means for structurally attaching said first and second secondary computer monitors to said primary computer monitor comprises: a) a console structure comprising an upper section, a lower section, a rear section, a first side section having a front edge, and a second side section having a front edge, wherein said console structure is dimensioned to enclose said primary computer monitor, b) a first hinge assembly having a first side that is attached to the first side section and a second side that is attached to an inner side of said first secondary computer monitor, wherein when said first secondary computer monitor is in a non-use position it is folded over to interface with said primary computer monitor, and c) a second hinge assembly having a first side that is attached to the second side section and a second side that is attached to an inner side of said second secondary computer monitor, wherein said second hinge assembly is longer and is centrally offset to overlap said first secondary computer monitor when said second secondary computer monitor is folded-over into its non-use position.
 12. The system as specified in claim 11 further comprising a locking device positioned to secure said first and second secondary computer monitors in their folded-over, non-use position. 